Japan's Crafts & Spring Blossoms Cruise

Day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive: Mon 13 April 2026 / Depart: Mon 13 April 2026 at 17:00

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Beppu

Arrive: Wed 15 April 2026 at 08:30 / Depart: Wed 15 April 2026 at 16:00

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Busan, South Korea

Arrive: Thu 16 April 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 16 April 2026 at 16:00

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, and the country's seaside connection to Japan and the West. Lovely urban scenery, the Pusan International Film Festival, and near-by hot springs has made Busan a popular leisure destination. Busan has the sophistication of a major city, as well as famous beaches that lure visitors from all over the world. The city is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose economic success often obscures, to Westerners, one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures.

Day 5 - Sakaiminato

Arrive: Fri 17 April 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Fri 17 April 2026 at 18:00

Renowned for its bounty of fresh seafood, Sakaiminato is a fishing town backed by mountains in the Honshu region. Izumo Grand Shrine is one of Japan’s most important Shinto temples, and the six-story, black Matsue Castle is one of the oldest surviving Tokugawa Samurai castles. View the snow-capped Mount Daisen, the vermilion, elaborately carved Hinomisaki temples or soak in the Kaike Onsen hot springs by the sea. The Adachi Museum holds a collection of modern Japanese art, while the Tottori Flower Road is a 124-acre flower garden. On the streets, a number of statues commemorate the Yokai figures created by the locally-born manga artist Mizuki Shigeru.

Day 6 - Maizuru

Arrive: Sat 18 April 2026 at 08:00

Day 7 - Maizuru

Depart: Sun 19 April 2026 at 18:00

Day 8 - Kanazawa

Arrive: Mon 20 April 2026 at 10:00 / Depart: Mon 20 April 2026 at 19:00

One of Japan’s best-preserved cities, Kanazawa escaped war damage and natural disasters to reward visitors with a wealth of architecture as an important clan castle town from the mid-17th century until the middle of the 19th. The mighty Kanazawa Castle did not survive intact, but its famous Ishikawa Gate, the Sunjikken Longhouse and lavish Kenrokuen Garden hint at the grandeur. Of special note are the surviving Higashi Geisha District and Samurai District streets. The Temple area holds the Myoryuji Temple with its hidden passages and secret doors giving it the nickname the Ninja Temple. The Oyamajinja Shrine is a later addition, its three-story gate with impressive stained glass windows reveal a Dutch influence. Museums worth exploring include the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum, with examples of the arts and crafts using the pure gold decoration for which the region is famous. Another museum celebrates the Buddhist philosopher D. T. Suzuki, credited with introducing Zen philosophy to the West, and a striking 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Nearby Mt. Utatsu is renowned for its Three Shrines. VIEW CRUISES

Day 9 - Niigata, Japan

Arrive: Tue 21 April 2026 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 21 April 2026 at 19:00

Day 10 - Akita, Japan

Arrive: Wed 22 April 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 22 April 2026 at 18:00

Day 11 - Hakodate

Arrive: Thu 23 April 2026 at 09:30 / Depart: Thu 23 April 2026 at 22:00

This important port on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island was the first to be opened to European and American trade. The result of this is a trove of Western-style buildings in the suburb of Motomachi that gives the impression of a movie set. The bell of the distinctive Haristo Greek Orthodox church is designated one of Japan’s official treasured “100 soundscapes.” Hokkaido is famous for its hot springs, much beloved by the Japanese. Yunokawa Hot Spring enjoys a commanding view of the sea, and its botanical garden is home to the Japanese macaques called “snow monkeys” because of their habit of soaking in the hot springs during the northern winter. Goryokaku is a 150-year old star fortress that holds the Magistrate’s Office, an excellent example of traditional Japanese architecture. Get a panoramic view from the observation platform atop the Goryokaku Tower.

Day 12 - Aomori

Arrive: Fri 24 April 2026 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 24 April 2026 at 20:00

Located on the northernmost harbor of Japan’s main island of Honshu, Aomori is the traditional departure point for Hokkaido Island. It is famous for its summer Nebuta Matsuri festival, and has a museum that recaptures the color and pageantry for those who visit in other seasons. Explore the earliest prehistoric cultures of Japan at the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site, or visit the Aomori Museum of Art for a look at more contemporary works. Nearby Hirosaki boasts a 17th Century castle. Visit either the Auga or the Furukawa public fish market, where you can create your own version of a donburi rice bowl with pristinely fresh local seafood.

Day 13 - At Sea

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Tokyo

Arrive: Mon 27 April 2026 at 06:30 / Depart: Mon 27 April 2026 at 17:00